Parts of the Computer

1. Anticipatory Set
> Focus/Transfer: From handout #1 you may remember that a computer is an electronic device that receives data (input), processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output). You know that all computers perform those functions.
> Objective: Students will learn the parts of a personal computer, or a PC. You will learn what software is, and what hardware is.
> Purpose: To comply with Computer Technology Standard # 8: Select and use the appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.

2. Instruction
What is Software?
> Software is a set of instructions (programs) and data that a computer uses to do its job.
What is Hardware?
> Hardware is the materials and physical components the computer is made of.
What is Operating System?
> The Operating System is a type of software that allows the computer hardware and other computer software “talk to each other”, to be able to function. Examples of Operating Systems are: Mac OS X, or Windows.

The Parts of a Computer
> The Computer consists of several parts:
CPU: Central Processing Unit. The CPU may contain some or all of the following:
- HD: Hard Drive, - CDW-ROM: Compact Disk Writable – Read Only Memory,
- DVD: Digital Video Disk, - ZIP Drive, - 3 ½ floppy drive, - USB peripherals.
Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Digital Camera, Printer, Scanner.

What is an Input?
> An input is a device that sends data to the CPU. Examples of input devices are: mouse, keyboard, microphone, camera, scanner, etc.
What is an Output?
> An Output is a device that PRODUCES A RESULT. Examples of output devices are: monitor, printer, speakers, etc.

> Check for understanding: Students will be asked questions:
- Are the mouse and the keyboard input or output? (input)
- Are the printer and the monitor input or output? (output)
- How do you know if a component is an input or an output? (and output will produce a result; i.e.: you don’t get a printout from your keyboard).

3. Guided Practice
> Teacher reviews the concept of software, hardware, input, output, etc.
> Activity: Using Drawing, draw the parts of the computer, label them, and indicate whether they are input or output.

4. Closure
> Students take quiz: Parts of the Computer.

5. Independent Practice
> Homework: Parts of the Computer.


Source: My COMPUTeachER, The Computer Book for Everyone.
Get your copy at: www.PaulRallion.com